National Insurance Number Appointment

Hello,

Just a question - I just sent in my paperwork for the FLR(M) visa via mail one week ago and I just got the letter for the biometrics. I am wondering if I need to make an appointment to get the NI number? Or do I wait to take any action until I receive the visa via mail if all okay?

A friend brought it up so I just wasn't sure if I could do anything in advance at this time. Thanks so much!

You’ll need the visa/BRP for the NiN appointment.


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You can't apply for the NI number until you have the right to work in the UK, which you don't have yet. In order to get an NI number, you will need to prove your right to work... by showing them your passport and FLR(M) BRP.

Thanks so much for the replies!

So once I have the work permit, will they tell me how to apply for the NI number? Do you know how long that will take in terms of how long it could take to get an appointment and then getting the number?  Will they need to hold onto my passport?

I ask this because I should receive my work permit (if all goes well) by beginning of September but then we have a USA trip at the end of that month.... so I thought and am hoping I have enough time to get the NIN before leaving.

Cheers.

I applied for my NiN last May. The entire process took about 1.5 months from the first time I called up to receiving it in the mail.

1. Call the NiN application number 0800 141 2075. Tell them you need an NiN because you have a job lined up and your employer is requesting it even if this is not 100% true. They will not give you an appointment otherwise.
2. Receive Job Centre Plus appointment details in the mail. Letter will tell you what documents you need to bring with you.
3. Attend in person appointment. They just looked at my passport and BRP and didn’t hold onto it.
4. Wait 3 weeks to receive NiN in mail.

This was my experience. Some people don’t have to attend an in-person appointment and just receive the form in the mail. I guess they have to mail whatever documents required.


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I just wanted to add the process can take longer depending on the appointment availabilities at the Job Centre that’s closest to you. You can request for an appointment at a different Job Centre but may need to travel farther.


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So once I have the work permit, will they tell me how to apply for the NI number? Do you know how long that will take in terms of how long it could take to get an appointment and then getting the number?  Will they need to hold onto my passport?

You don't get a work permit, because you do not have a work visa. What you will get is a settlement (spousal) visa that allows work without you actually needing a work permit (work permits are only issued to people applying for employer-sponsored work visas, in which case they will likely be issued an NI number with their visa).

'They' will not tell you how to apply for an NI number, because not everyone who applies for FLR(M) will need one or want one. It's up to you to decide whether to apply for one or not, and find out how to do so.

See here for how to apply: https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

They will not take your passport. The appointment is simply to check you have the right to work and are looking for work and to fill out the form for you.

I ask this because I should receive my work permit (if all goes well) by beginning of September but then we have a USA trip at the end of that month.... so I thought and am hoping I have enough time to get the NIN before leaving.

As mentioned, it is not a work permit, it's a settlement (spousal) visa. It can take a few weeks to get the NI number, but you can travel while you are waiting for it if you like.

Great, apologies for the miswording and it makes sense now.  I will call that number when I have the FLRM visa.

Thank you!